The Lego line of toys has always been popular. Over the last few years we have seen Lego Video Games and Lego Robots. Now Lego stuff has turned into one of Buena Vistas' newest DVD releases. Bionicle: Mask of Light can be a little bit hard to follow.
Basically the story revolves around a robotic tribe of people on a small island called Mata Tui. This tribe has two small Matorans--one a potentially heroic "herald" and the other a historian-witness called "chronicler"-- who happen to discover a sacred mask of light, suggesting the imminent of arrival of a seventh Toa. What is a TOA? Well these are the Gods, if you will that protect the people of the island.
As with any good story, the people of the island face a grave danger in Makuta, an evil spirit of shadows. He attacks the Matorans with mechanized-crayfish warriors in a bid to possess the precious mask. The two Matorans on the other hand are desparately trying to find the insinuated seventh guardian or god as you will in time before the island is destroyed by Makuta.
The film offers many complicated backstories to learn, meaning adults might be left in the dust. However to an 8 year old boy this must seem as awesome as The Transformers once did to me long ago. The film's use of CGI is impressive, though not on a Finding Nemo type of scale. I must admit I wasn't too familiar with the Lego Bionicles line so I think being a fan already goes a long way to making this more enjoyable.
The Disc:
With the use of CGI rarely do issues with a transfer come up. This is no exeception as the digital images on the screen are fluid and smooth with no blemishes in sight. The 1.78:1 Widescreen Anamorphic transfer looks every bit as good as it should.
Sounds in the flick go even further to impress with not only the standard Dolby Digital 5.1 track, but also a very awesome DTS track. With all of the computerized fighting and battles going on, this is SO a good workout for your home theater. I must say I am truly impressed here.
Extras on the disc are plentiful starting with a Feature Length Directors Commentary Audio Track. While I was somewhat confused while watching the film itself, I became even more confused when listening to these comments. Still it is an enjoyable listen to further educate those like me who are unfamiliar with the background of these toys.
Next up is a behind the scenes feature The Making Of Bionicle The Mask of Light. Pretty much your standard fluffl piece, this segment at least is a bit less complicated to listen to than the audio track. Still with a film of CGI these things are always a joy to view.
Next are Several Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary. For the most part it's easy to see why these scenes were cut. However one of the scenes I felt added enough to the overall story that it should have been left in. The commentary here is much easier to listen to since they focus on why these scenes were taken out.
Next is another feature Mata Nui Explorer which is an insight about the world and the characters. This should be a prerequisite for watching the film though it can spoil a few things here and there. Still this brought me up to speed after I had watched the film.
Finally we have a Story to Board comparison, the usual trailers and a sneek peek into the next storyline which sounds to me like a sequel is on the way!
bottom line:
It's no Finding Nemo and it is actually somewhat violent, meaning not for the youngest of kids. Still I suppose the Bionicle franchise is here and I know for me it was the Transformers while for my kids it looks like the Bionicles. Adults will likely be somewhat lost but kids will probably eat this up!
3.5 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
1/2
